The Boeing CST-100 Starliner crew recently received positive news regarding their anticipated return to Earth. Recently completed ground testing of the spacecraft’s thrusters, which have left it in orbit since early June, has allowed Boeing and NASA to begin planning for its homeward journey.
An update provided last week stated, “Ground testing of a Starliner Reaction Control System (RCS) thruster at White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico is complete, and teams are now turning their attention to data reviews.” The goal of the tests was to investigate the degradation of thrusters, which would help in understanding why certain thrusters were inactive during the flight and the implications of reintegrating them for the Crew Flight Test.
The term “de-selected” refers to thrusters that ceased functioning. Prior to and during the launch, helium tanks controlling the thrusters were found to be leaking, resulting in numerous delays. Officials mentioned in a press conference last month that while the spacecraft contains 70 hours’ worth of helium—far exceeding the necessary seven hours—it isn’t yet ready for a return.
Previously, NASA and Boeing hinted that a return flight could occur by the end of this month, but the timeline is now less definitive. The most recent update indicated that engineers would begin disassembling and inspecting the thrusters, as well as completing necessary preparations for the spacecraft’s eventual return to Earth with commander Butch Wilmore and pilot Suni Williams in the coming weeks.